Cultural Note: tapas

In Spain, these are small portions of food served in bars and cafés with a drink. There is a wide variety, including Spanish omelet, seafood, different kinds of cooked potatoes, salads, cheese, ham, and chorizo. They can be very elaborate, and people often order several to make a meal. Tapas are part of a lifestyle and the social aspect is very important. The practice of going out for a drink and tapas is known as tapeo.

Carnaval

Carnaval is the three days of festivities preceding Lent, characterized by costumes, masks, drinking, music, and dancing. Spain's most colorful carnival is in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, and Cadiz's carnival is also famous. In Spanish-speaking Latin America, the carnivals of Uruguay, Bolivia, and Venezuela are very well known.